10 Best Things To Do In Hoi An [Updated 2025] Published 06/12/2024
by Heads On Pillows

10 THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN 2025 YOU SHOULD TO KNOW

When we first opened FUSE Hostels in Hoi An, we thought we knew the town. We’d been here before, checked off the lists, tried the “banh mi”, and did the boat ride or bicycle tour. But living here? That’s when we started to understand what makes Hoi An different.

It’s not just the ancient buildings or the lanterns (though they’re cool). It’s the pace. The way life moves a bit slower. The mornings that start with coffee and end at the beach. The random local festivals. These days are when you head out for five minutes and come back two hours later with a story and a new snack.

So we started keeping a list. The stuff we tell our guests when they ask, “What should I actually do here?”

This guide is that list our version of the best things to do in Hoi An, from the people who live it every day. 

1. Explore the Ancient Town

We always tell our guests to start with the Old Town. You don’t need a guidebook or a plan. Just walk.

Hoi An Ancient Town isn’t huge, but it packs in centuries of stories. The streets are paved with worn cobblestones, the walls are mustard yellow, and the rooftops curve in that old-school way you only see in places with real history. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and yeah, you can feel why the moment you step in.

You’ll pass by ancient houses, temples, and old merchant halls that reflect Hoi An’s mix of Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. The Japanese Covered Bridge is still one of our favourite spots.

You might stumble into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, with its ornate dragon statues and incense swirling in the air, or catch a glimpse of daily life spilling out from Tan Ky Old House, one of the oldest preserved homes in the town.

We always suggest taking it street by street. Pop into a silk shop, step into a quiet temple, try a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee (iced, always), and don’t be surprised if you end up sitting by the river for an hour doing absolutely nothing.

2. Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

We know, it’s one of the most touristy things in town. But honestly? It’s worth it.

The lantern boat rides along the Thu Bon River usually kick off around 4:00 PM and run until 9:30 PM. Prices are pretty straightforward: 150,000 VND for 1–3 people, or 200,000 VND if you’ve got 4–5. Most boats are simple wooden rowboats steered by locals.

It’s short, about 20 minutes, but that’s all you need. You’ll float past the lit-up waterfront, glide under the An Hoi Bridge, and see the town from a new angle, especially as the sun dips and the lanterns come out. You’ll get a little paper lantern to release, too. Locals say it brings luck. We’re not superstitious, but we still make a wish every time.

Our go-to time? Sunset, 100%. The sky turns deep orange, the river catches the colour, and the lanterns start to glow. It’s probably the most photogenic part of the day in Hoi An.

3. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

If there’s one landmark that everyone in Hoi An knows, it’s the Japanese Covered Bridge. And yeah, it’s literally on the 20,000 VND note, so you know it’s got some history.

Built back in the late 1500s, the bridge was a way to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities living on opposite sides of town. These days, it connects travellers with the past. The roof is tiled, the wood is carved with yin-yang motifs, and there’s even a small shrine inside dedicated to Tran Vo Bac De, the weather god. On each end, you’ll see statues of a monkey and a dog, said to represent the years the bridge began and finished, both considered sacred.

It’s small, you’ll cross it in less than a minute, but worth slowing down for. The colours change with the light, and if you catch it early in the morning, you’ll get a peaceful moment before the crowds roll in. We still pause every time we cross it.

4. Discover Local Markets

If you want to experience Hoi An’s local culture, start at the markets. That’s where real life hums.

We always send guests to Hoi An Central Market, right by Tran Phu and Hoang Dieu. It’s loud, colourful, and full of energy, especially in the mornings. You’ll see locals haggling over herbs, fish flopping in baskets, and scooters squeezing through narrow aisles like it’s nothing.

It’s where restaurants shop, aunties pick up fresh greens for lunch, and vendors call out deals in three languages. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and spices to silk scarves, lanterns, and rice paper. If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of “Cao Lau” or a “Banh Mi” from one of the food stalls.

There’s also a section for dry goods and souvenirs. Yes, some stalls sell the same stuff, but look closer and you’ll find handmade gems. And don’t be afraid to bargain, just smile and keep it friendly.

5. Enjoy Bamboo Boats and Cooking Class

This is one of those classic Hoi An experiences you should try.

The Bamboo Boats at Bay Mau Coconut Forest experience is one of those hidden gems that gives you a taste of real Hoi An life.

The Bay Mau Coconut Forest is just a short trip outside the city, and it’s where the traditional bamboo basket boats come into play. These boats are small, round, and a little wobbly at first, but once you get the hang of them, you’ll be cruising through the dense mangroves like a pro. The local guides will show you how to paddle and even let you try your hand at fishing, using techniques that have been passed down for generations.

After the boat ride, you’ll head to a riverside kitchen where you’ll get cooking. You’ll make everything from fresh spring rolls to “Banh Xeo” (Vietnamese pancake), and you’ll be hands-on from start to finish. The best part? You’re learning in a peaceful, authentic environment, surrounded by greenery and the sounds of nature.

When you’re done cooking, you get to sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, surrounded by palm trees and river views.

FUSE run the Bamboo Boats & Cooking Class every day, with pickups from both our Old Town and Beachside hostels.

6. Visit the Tailor Shops for a Custom Outfit

One of the coolest things about Hoi An is its tailor shops. Whether you’re after a sharp suit, a stylish dress, or something casual like linen pants, Hoi An’s skilled tailors can whip it up for you in as little as 24 hours and at a fraction of the price you’d pay back home.

You’ll find tailor shops everywhere in the Ancient Town, and while the big names like Bebe, Yaly, A Dong, and Kimmy are popular, there’s a whole world of smaller, hidden gems that’ll surprise you with their skill and service. For a deeper dive into the best tailors around, check out our guide on the best tailors in Hoi An, where we share the spots we trust.

For FUSE guests, we’ve got an easy recommendation: Old Town Tailors, located right upstairs from FUSE Old Town Hostel. You can’t get more convenient than that.

Old Town Tailors offers fast and high-quality tailoring, perfect for travellers on a tight schedule. They specialise in everything from suits and linen pants to silk shirts. The process is quick: measure in the afternoon, a first fitting by morning, and you can pick up your final outfit the same day. And here’s the best part: FUSE guests get a 250,000 VND discount voucher! The friendly staff will even arrange international shipping if you need it.

If you’re looking for a custom outfit in Hoi An, Old Town Tailors is an easy choice for quality, efficiency, and a perfect fit.

7. Relax on An Bang Beach or Tan Thanh Beach

For a relaxing day, Hoi An’s beaches have you covered. An Bang Beach is the most popular, just a short trip from the Old Town. With soft sand, clear water, and plenty of cafés and beachside restaurants, it’s perfect for unwinding and enjoying the view.

If you’re looking for something quieter, head to Tan Thanh Beach. Less crowded and more peaceful, it’s the spot where locals go to chill, swim, or catch up with friends.

If you’re staying at FUSE Beachside Hostel, you’re just steps away from Barefoot Beach Club, our go-to beach hangout. Whether you’re joining a sunrise paddleboard tour, sipping on a cold drink, or catching some live music, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the beach vibe. Plus, they’ve got great food, beach games, and a laid-back atmosphere you won’t want to miss.



8. Take a Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary is worth the trip. It’s just an hour’s drive from Hoi An, and every minute of the journey takes you further into a piece of Vietnam’s hidden history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a cluster of ancient Hindu temples dating back to the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries.

We were lucky to visit in the morning, before it got too hot and crowded. The mist hanging over the ruins as the sun came up made the place feel even more surreal. It’s not just the history that grabs you, but the setting: the temples are surrounded by thick jungle, giving it a secluded, peaceful vibe.

Walking through the complex, we were blown away by how intricate the carvings were of stone dragons, gods, and ancient symbols on temples that were built over a thousand years ago.

9. Experience the Full Moon Lantern Festival

If you happen to be in Hoi An during the Full Moon Lantern Festival, consider yourself lucky. This is one of the signature experiences in the town, and it truly captures the heart of Hoi An’s charm.

Every 14th day of the lunar month, Hoi An switches off all its electric lights, and the streets glow with the soft light of thousands of lanterns. This isn’t just a pretty sight; it’s a cultural experience that’s been happening for centuries. The locals take the festival seriously—many businesses close for the evening, and everyone takes part in the tradition of releasing lanterns onto the Thu Bon River.

We joined the festival a couple of times, and there’s no denying the atmosphere. The streets are filled with traditional music, street performers playing everything from traditional Vietnamese instruments to modern beats, and the air smells of grilled skewers and sweet treats from the food stalls. People move slowly, as if they’re all in on some secret, creating a feeling of calm that’s rare in a place that can often be bustling.

What makes it truly unique is the lantern release. You can buy a small lantern for a few thousand VND, make a wish, and set it afloat on the river. It’s not just about making a wish; it’s about feeling part of something much bigger, something that has been done for generations. Watching your lantern float downstream, surrounded by dozens of others, is a moment you won’t forget.

10. Join a Bicycle Tour

On a bicycle tour, you’ll pedal through picturesque rice paddies, surrounded by the lush green landscape that defines this area. It’s a peaceful way to see the countryside up close, passing by farmers working the land, with buffaloes grazing in the fields.

You’ll also ride through small rivers, passing quiet villages where you might spot locals going about their day, whether it’s tending to family farms or creating unique handmade goods. One of our favourite moments? Cycling through narrow alleys to sip on a cup of local salt coffee, a drink unique to this region that you won’t find anywhere else.

On our FUSE Hoi An Bicycle Tour, we take you further, through ancient houses, local farms, and even the Heritage Museum, where you’ll learn about the rich Vietnamese culture and ethnic heritage. Plus, you’ll see the famous Cao Lau noodles being made by 5th-generation families, preserving recipes passed down through centuries.

By the end of the tour, we stop by a lantern workshop because no trip to Hoi An is complete without creating your own lantern to take home as a souvenir.

Stay at FUSE Hostels for the Hoi An Experience!

Book your stay for an enriching Hoi An experience! Discover beachside relaxation at Hoi An Beachside Hostel or soak up the culture at Hoi An Old Town Hostel. Don’t miss our comprehensive Hoi An travel guide for Backpackers for insider tips